Hi,
I am a 15 year old student at an IB (International Baccalaureate) school in Lima, Peru.
Since the age of 13 I have shown an interest in materials. Almost a year ago, I built a plug for a remote-controlled sailplane, made a complete set of molds from polyester and proceeded to make epoxy-glass fuselages reinforced selectively with carbon tows and kevlar.
During this project (for I used it as my MYP Personal Project), I did a large amount of research and documentation. Print sources add up to 50, and I watched various documentals, conducted interviews. All in all, I absorbed information from 97 sources.
Since then, I have begun to read more advanced sources. Most recently, I started reading “Fundamentals of composites manufacturing: materials, methods and applications” By A. Brent Strong.
I’m already at the stage where I’m experimenting with VARTM and resin infusion. My next project might incorporate filament winding for spar making.
I’m working on the plugs for a very advanced (at least for Peruvian standards) hollow-moulded model sailplane (78" wingspan) incorporating the use of premium epoxies, UNI-web carbon fiber and selective reinforcement with a variety of materials including Aero-Mat (Lantor Soric XF) as a possible core material.
So here ends my personal introduction and begins my plea for advice.
My goal is to study Materials Engineering. My academic achievements are very well above standard and progressing rapidly.
I know that modern universities want students who are creative, outgoing and able to function in a workshop environment as well as a purely theoretical classroom environment.
Is it a good idea to document my achievements in the composites world (particularly the hollow-moulding project I am embarking on) and present them to possible universities as a sort of “creative portfolio”?
All advice welcome! I’ll be starting to participate actively on this forum. I have a burning passion for information (most people I know well tell me that). I’d rather spend a night talking about the benefits of S-glass over E-glass or anything composites related than get drunk and wasted like most people my age are doing these days.
-Alex 